Kirklees Council has ensured that the show will go on for community groups across the district.

Community Buildings Recovery Grants have seen almost £500,000 given out to help local organisations impacted by the pandemic.

Community and voluntary organisations who have lost significant income due to national lockdowns and local restrictions were offered up to £20,000 each.

In total Kirklees Council has supported 43 local organisations with grants worth a combined £470,000.

One of those saved from closure is Southgate Theatre in Honley, home of Honley Players.

Theatre spokesman Bob Newton said: “The pandemic had cut our income to zero, and the theatre was on the verge of closing for good.

“The community buildings recovery grant has changed this by giving us a much-needed cash boost. Now the show will go on!”

Another group to benefit was Outlane Methodist Church and spokesman Mary Mercer said: “We at Outlane Methodist Church are looking forward to resuming as many of our former activities in the community as we can and making plans for going ahead with new ideas.

“We do not expect it to be easy but the boost given to our finances by the generous grant we have received has made such a positive difference to our situation.”

Huddersfield Town Hall has come to the rescue of community buildings

Clr Cathy Scott, deputy leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet member for housing and democracy, said: “Community organisations are incredibly important for people’s wellbeing.

“We wanted to make sure that community buildings can continue to be safe places for people to get together and enjoy activities as part of our recovery from Covid-19.

“The Community Buildings Recovery Grants have clearly mattered to the local organisations who are so fundamental for keeping people connected and safe. We’ll continue to work proudly alongside these dedicated and inspiring groups in our local places.”

Kirklees Council is continuing to work closely with Third Sector Leaders Kirklees – which supports local voluntary and community organisations – to listen to local groups and to understand what other support they need.

Community organisations looking for support and advice can contact the council’s team via thirdsector@kirklees.gov.uk or visit the TSL Kirklees website at www.tslkirklees.org.uk
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